Madelon Yvonne Brown

Madelon C. Brown, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully in Knoxville, Tennessee, at 12:28 AM on June 10, 2025. She was 93 years old.

Born on July 1, 1931, in Washington, D.C., Madelon was the fourth of six children and the second daughter of Willie Mae and Gregory Conliffe. Raised in a close-knit family, she graduated from Dunbar High School which is the first public high school for black children in the United States and the first public high school in Washington, D.C. Madelon grew up with a strong sense of purpose, community, and compassion that shaped her life’s journey. A lifelong learner, Madelon pursued studies at Brown University and Howard University before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Sciences from the National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois. Madelon built a remarkable career in both the private sector and federal government. She worked for years at the Pentagon and ultimately retired

from NASA Headquarters on April 30, 1994. Her career reflected her dedication to excellence and public service—beyond her professional accomplishments.

Madelon’s greatest joy was her family. She was a constant source of strength, encouragement, and unconditional love. She was married to the love of her life, William “Bill” Brown, for 33 years until his passing in April 1995. Bill had a special way of bringing out the “silly” in her, often making her giggle with his jokes and antics. In 2000, one of Madelon’s dreams came true when she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she continued to nurture the deep bonds of friendship and family. Madelon and Bill lovingly raised their four children—Karen, Karmen, Mike, and Shelley—with strong values that shaped their lives: honesty, dignity, responsibility, and kindness. Their home was a place of warmth, order, and unwavering support. Madelon was a wonderful cook, and most evenings the family gathered around the dinner table to share a home-cooked meal, a tradition that fostered connection and conversation. Even on the nights when Bill worked late, she always made sure his dinner was warm and waiting. Her dedication to her family’s well-being showed in every corner of their home, which was always spotless, with fresh linens and neatly folded clothes—a quiet but constant expression of her love and care. Though she lost contact with her second daughter, Karmen, in later years, she never stopped loving her. She spoke Karmen’s name in her prayers often and carried hope in her heart that their paths might cross again. She would sometimes speak about how wonderful it would be to see her beautiful Karmen once more.

Madelon had a passion for travel. She loved flying and took her last flight on June 12 from Knoxville, TN to be laid to rest next to her beloved Bill. Madelon also enjoyed long road trips—always offering her signature “backseat driving” advice, even into her 90’s. Her Alaskan cruise with her sister-in-law Jackie was her favorite, though she often said her trip to South Africa was the most unforgettable experience of her life. She also visited Italy, Mexico, Canada, and many Caribbean islands and US states, and would have gladly traveled the entire world if she could. Creative and hands-on, Madelon found joy in painting—not on canvas, but on walls. She considered painting rooms, in the house, a stress reliever and a way to make her home beautiful. She loved “pretty things”—homes, clothing, jewelry, flowers, and faces. Speaking of faces, Madelon was never without her lipstick. It was part of her morning routine every day, right up until her final year. She collected owls and Hummel dolls, and every holiday season she baked fruitcakes for family and friends. Her lemon and chocolate pound cakes, peach cobblers, and love of fresh fruits and salads were well known. She only drank beer when eating steamed Maryland blue crabs—and never passed up one of Shelley’s delicious frozen margaritas. She loved to listen to classical music, and anything sung by Nat King Cole. That was her man…after Bill of course. If singing and humming is a sign of peace and happiness, then Madelon was a happy woman. She was humming just days before passing away. Madelon was the heart of her family—a woman of quiet strength, deep wisdom, and endless love. She gave selflessly, always placing others before herself, and lived a life of grace, humility, and kindness. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and in the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her loving children: Karen Smotherman (Donald), Michelle Isabel, and Michael Brown (Aom); nine grandchildren: DeWayne II (Joanna), Brianne (Carlos), Rico (Rebecca), Philip (Amber), Eric, Michael Jr. (Keely), Kumlai, Cameron (Ty), and Matthew; fifteen great-grandchildren: Tierra, Carlos, Alyssa, Stella, Simone, Adrianna, Zachary, Nathaniel, Genisis, Nature, Mazi, Sean, Marley, Ellie, and Dom; three great-great-grandchildren: Layla, Laura and London; her brother, Wharton Conliffe; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Conliffe; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Madelon’s memory will be cherished always, and her spirit will live on in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

A visitation for Madelon will be held Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 12:00 PM "The Little Church" at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 1:00 PM, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722. A committal will occur Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 2:30 PM at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home & Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722.